Colour analysis is having a moment. As shoppers look to buy smarter while personalizing their style, there’s been a noticeable revival of this once-iconic 1980s concept. Knowing your palette and understanding how to dress for your season is now re-emerging as a powerful tool for building a more intentional wardrobe. One voice shaping the conversation is Tania Tonello, a Toronto-based stylist, personal shopper, and image consultant known for making style feel clear, approachable, and deeply personal.
A regular fashion expert on Breakfast Television and a familiar face on Cityline, Tania helps clients understand what truly works for them and how to express it with confidence. She’s bringing her colour analysis studio on the road next month with a pop-up in Vancouver at Leah Yard Designs. We chatted with Tania to learn more about colour analysis and get her thoughts on Vancouver style.
For anyone new to it, how would you explain colour analysis?
Colour analysis is a method of identifying your best colour palette, which naturally harmonizes with your skin undertone, hair, and eye colouring. When you wear colours that align with your natural palette, you look more vibrant, rested, and balanced. It’s about working with your natural features instead of against them.
What are some of the most common mistakes people make when choosing colours to wear?
One of the biggest mistakes is choosing colours based on trends alone rather than personal undertones. Another is assuming something looks good on someone else so it should work for you. People also rely too heavily on wearing black as a default when, in reality, it can wash certain complexions out. Lighting in stores versus real life is another factor that leads to misjudged colour choices.
Once someone knows their personal colour palette, how can they start incorporating it into their everyday style without overhauling their entire closet?
Start small. Begin with what sits closest to your face, such as scarves, tops, and finishing pieces like blazers, since these have the strongest impact on your overall complexion. Accessories, lip colours, and eyewear are also easy entry points. From there, gradually shift into core basics like knitwear and everyday tops in your best neutrals. You don’t need to replace everything, just begin editing your wardrobe so your most flattering colours become your most visible ones.
What are some of the standout colour trends you’re seeing for Spring 2026?
This spring is all about a mix of bold colours and softer pastels. We’re seeing vibrant tomato red, electric cobalt blue, lime green, and deep magenta as key standout hues, alongside lighter, more muted tones that soften the palette. What feels new is how these colours are being styled in unexpected combinations, often clashing brights or pairing them with neutrals for balance. There’s also a grounding palette of creamy whites, soft greys, and chocolate browns that make everything feel more wearable for everyday life.
How can people balance following seasonal trends while still staying true to their own colouring and personal style?
The key is translation, not imitation. Instead of wearing a trend colour exactly as shown, adapt it into your own palette version based on your identified colour season. For example, if electric blue is trending but it overwhelms you, you might choose a softened navy or a muted denim version that better suits your colouring and season.
Colour analysis and personal styling seem to be having a moment right now. Why do you think more people are turning to this kind of guidance?
I believe people are craving clarity. With so many micro trends and constant content online, it can feel overwhelming to know what actually suits you. Colour analysis offers a sense of personalized direction and confidence. It simplifies decision making and helps people build a more intentional, sustainable wardrobe.
You’re hosting a special Mother’s Day colour analysis experience with Leah Yard Designs in Vancouver. What can guests expect?
Guests can expect a beautiful, intimate styling experience where pre-booked guests will receive a full colour analysis session and discover their most flattering palette. It’s an open event so attendees are welcome to observe the process, learn through the experience, and shop from Leah Yard Designs gorgeous spring jewelry collection. The event is the day before Mother’s Day so we’ve designed it to feel educational, inspiring and fun with something valuable for everyone in the room.
What makes this kind of in-person experience so impactful compared to trying to figure out your colours online?
In person analysis allows you to see real time transformation under natural light, which is something screens cannot replicate with accuracy. You also get immediate feedback, nuanced explanations, and the ability to compare subtle differences that online quizzes or filters often miss. It’s a much more intuitive and validating experience.
Are there any standout style differences between Toronto, where you live, and Vancouver?
Both cities have really strong but distinct style identities. In Toronto, I tend to see more structured, fashion forward dressing and a lot of trend experimentation. In Vancouver, the aesthetic leans more relaxed and nature influenced, with an emphasis on ease, layering, and elevated casual wear that fits the lifestyle and environment. Both are stylish, just expressed through very different lifestyles and environments.
When you’re visiting Vancouver, what’s one place you make time to visit?
I always make time to be near the water. There’s something about the balance of the ocean and mountains in Vancouver that instantly resets me. Walking along the seawall is a must, and I also love discovering a new coffee shop or cute brunch spot while I’m there.
Learn more about Tania and book colour analysis on Saturday May 9 in Vancouver. —Jenn Wint
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